For many birds, winter is the most dangerous time of year. Deciduous trees lose their leaves, exposing birds to predators and the elements. Many food sources are buried under snow, and water sources may freeze.

Around the world, many bird lovers try to help birds in the winter by putting out seeds, suet, and other foods, buying heated birdbaths, and building nesting boxes to provide winter birds with the three main things they need to survive the cold months: food, water, and shelter.… Read more

For birds and bird watchers alike, the summer months are the richest. For bird watchers, the hardy birds that stuck around through the cold, lean days of winter are still around, now joined by their migrating relatives. For birds, the world is alive with buzzing insects, fruiting shrubs and trees, flowers dripping with nectar and bursting with seed.… Read more

Spring is an important season for birds. In early and mid-spring, migrating species return to their northern summer homes, a journey that may be hundreds or thousands of exhausting miles. Meanwhile, the birds that stuck around through the long, cold winter try to replace the weight lost during the last hungry weeks before spring.… Read more

Kerry is the author of P is for Princess: The Extraordinary Lives of 26 Real-Life Princesses, and numerous articles and blog posts on topics such as history, science, gardening, sustainability, and women’s issues.